Keraia
1 John 1

1 John 1:8

Walking in the Light · 1 John 1:5–10
Read 1 John 1

Translations

Modern
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
Traditional
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
Literal
If we should say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.
Latin
Si dixerimus quoniam peccatum non habemus, ipsi nos seducimus, et veritas in nobis non est.

Original

Greek
English
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

Notes

1 John 1:8

If we say we have no sin: This is the second false claim of the Gnostics (see 1:6). They trusted they could be free from sin because Christ had removed their sins forever. They believed that their special knowledge put them in a position where sin no longer mattered. But Christians do still sin when they live in their old nature (see Romans 7:14–25). A true Christian both acknowledges this sin and trusts Christ to take it away (1 John 1:9).

1 John 1:5–2:6

Here John focuses on the first part of living in fellowship with God. To live in the light means that Christians see that they are sinners. It also means they understand that Jesus is their Advocate, the one who speaks for them and makes them right with God (see Ephesians 5:6–13).

Theme notes and profiles

Faith and Good Deeds The Land

Parallels

John 8:12–29

Glossary

Confession First Letter of John Sin

Topics

Being Helpful Born Again Believers Come as you Are Depravity of Man: General Scriptures Concerning Forgive He Who is without Sin How to Treat your Enemies Human Nature Hurting Other Believers Original Sin Perfectionism Repeating Sin Self Denial Sin: Confession of Sinlessness: General Scriptures Concerning The Fall of Man: All Men Partake of the Effects of Unrepented Sin